Key pass reopens for heavy traffic after 5-day closure

CHARIKAR (Pajhwok): The Salang highway, connecting northern provinces with Kabul, has reopened after a five-day closure due to heavy snowfall on both sides of the busy pass, an official said on Monday.

A snowstorm that started five days back caused avalanches, covering a large portion of the road and stranding hundreds of vehicles. But the route was reopened as a result of efforts by workers.

Officials said the busy pass had been closed over the past five days for trucks.

Gen. Rajab, the Salang maintenance commander, told Pajhwok Afghan News heavy snowfall over the past week blocked the highway for traffic. But it was reopened for all types of vehicles early Monday morning.

In winters, heavy snowfalls on the Salang pass lead to the death of many people every year. In February 2010, 170 people were killed and 125 injured as a result of heavy snowstorms and avalanches that hit the Russian-built tunnel.